Broadband Affordability in Action — What New York Just Changed

Hi, Tim here!

New York’s Affordable Broadband Act just kicked in, and it’s already making waves. ISPs now have to offer $15 or $20 internet plans to low-income households. Sounds simple, right? But the ripple effects are anything but.

For broadband providers, this isn’t just a New York problem. It’s a flashing signal of where the entire industry is heading. The question isn’t whether affordability will reshape the market—it’s how fast you’ll need to adjust when it does.

Let’s break it down.

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What’s the Big Story?

1. What New York’s Law Means

• The Basics: ISPs are required to offer affordable internet plans for low-income families.
• The Battle: Providers fought this law hard, but the U.S. Supreme Court upheld it by refusing to hear the case.
• The Bigger Picture: Other states are watching. What happens in New York could be the playbook for the rest of the country.

2. Why Providers Should Pay Attention

This isn’t business as usual. Sure, the goal is equity, but the law exposes cracks in how providers operate.

• Margins Under Fire: Can you really make low-cost plans work without losing money?
• Customer Backlash: If you’re not offering fair pricing, customers will notice—and they’ll bolt.
• Policy Domino Effect: Think this will stay in New York? It won’t. Get ready for similar laws across the U.S.

My Take: This isn’t about surviving the rules. It’s about thriving because of them. If you’re bold enough to pivot now, you’ll own the market when others are still scrambling.

3. Opportunity in the Chaos

It’s easy to see this as a headache. But if you play it right, it’s your chance to lead:

1. Expand Your Market: Low-cost plans can open doors to a whole new customer base.
2. Earn Trust: Transparency isn’t optional anymore. Show customers you’re on their side, and they’ll stick around.
3. Partner Up: Governments and local groups want to help. Tap into public-private collaborations to share the load.

New York is the first domino, not the last. The providers who lean into this challenge will define the next era of connectivity.

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Top News Lately

1. AT&T Withdraws 5G Service in New York In response to New York's Affordable Broadband Act, AT&T has discontinued its 5G Internet Air service in the state, citing economic infeasibility under the new rate regulations.
2. FCC Announces New Broadband Resilience Initiative The FCC has introduced a program aimed at improving network resilience in disaster-prone regions, helping providers bolster infrastructure against extreme weather.
3. Supreme Court Review of Universal Service Fund The FCC’s $8 billion Universal Service Fund, critical for broadband expansion, is under legal scrutiny. A potential ruling against the FCC could impact funding for underserved areas.
4. Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Network Gains Traction in the U.S. Amazon's satellite broadband initiative is set to launch pilot programs in the U.S., targeting underserved and rural communities as competition with Starlink heats up.
5. Texas Broadband Expansion Gains Momentum Texas has committed $1.5 billion to broadband expansion, focusing on underserved areas, with plans to lay thousands of miles of fiber across the state.

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What’s New With Us?

February is shaping up to be a busy month for the Ocius-X team as we hit the road to connect with customers and industry peers. Here’s where we’ll be:

• February 9: We will be in Dallas, connecting with industry leaders and exploring opportunities in the region.
• February 10: We’ll join Bonfire’s Bandwidth, Boots, and Beer happy hour in San Antonio—a great chance to network and discuss broadband innovations. (Event details)
• February 17: Visiting customers in Louisiana to strengthen relationships and gain insights into their fiber network needs.
• February 18-20: Exhibiting at the FISPA Trade Show, showcasing our solutions and connecting with independent service providers.

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